Ectopic Pregnancy AcademicPaper Summary
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Published: April 23, 2008
Ectopic pregnancy
In ectopic pregnancy the fertilized ovum is implanted beyond the uterus. Implantation can occur in the Fallopian tube ( most frequet place ), ovaries, cervix and even in the abdomen.
The symptoms are similiar to miscarriage symptoms. Usually shortly after the first missing menstruation a woman feels cramping pain and observes spotting.
Sometimes haemorrhage may threaten health or even life of a pregnant woman.
When the bleeding is gradual it causes pain and pressure but when it is rapid it leads to shock or hypotension.
If sudden lower abdominal pain occurs at about 6 – 8 week of pregnancy is felt and it is followed by fainting it usually means rupture of the tube together with intra- abdominal haemorrhage.
Examination reveals reveals apart from signs of haemorrhage and shock also lower abdominal peritoneal irritation.
Uterus is enlarged but smaller than it should be in that stage of pregnancy and the cervix is tender to motion.
Painful urinating and bowel movement can also occur.
We do not know the causes of ectopic pregnancy but the risk factors are: smoking, tubal damage prior to the pregnancy and advanced age of mother.
Sometimes laparoscopy or laparothomy is required.